NASCAR reportedly has altered its drug-testing procedure – going to a longer, more detailed process – after Jeremy Mayfield claimed his test results were flawed and inaccurate.

Kasey Kahne told reporters during a Thursday press conference at Daytona International Speedway that what used to be a relatively speedy 5- to 10-minute testing process is now a detailed, carefully-monitored 40-minute procedure.

“When I went in (for a drug test) at the start of they year, it was go in, take your sample, sign your name and basically walk out,” Kahne said. “You watch them pour your ‘A’ and ‘B’ sample into the different capsules, you sign your name and leave. It was a 5-, 10-minute process.

“Now it’s every step, you have to initial every step through the whole process. It takes about 40 minutes, it seemed. I think that is just a process now that they’ve (NASCAR) put into it. There’s more into the process.”

NASCAR suspended Mayfield on May 9, claiming he tested positive for methamphetamines.

If NASCAR decided that a more through testing process was necessary, that could be a plus for Mayfield in his ongoing legal battle. He claims he is an innocent victim of a flawed test.

Mayfield insisted he had never used the drug and disputed the accuracy of NASCAR’s test results.

On Wednesday a federal judge issued a temporary order lifting Mayfield’s indefinite suspension.

However, several of Mayfield’s fellow drivers and team owners said he will always be “tainted” by the accusation and that it will be impossible for him to participate in the sport.

Those statements could to be included in Mayfield’s anticipated civil suit against NASCAR and its Nashville-based drug testing lab, claiming that false drug accusations led to the collapse of his race team, destroyed his reputation and damaged his career beyond repair.

NASCAR has counter-sued, contending that Mayfield violated his NASCAR contract by using drugs and should be suspended until he completes a treatment program and other requirements.

Remember Tony Stewart’s comment comparing NASCAR races to professional wrestling, given NASCAR’s tendency to manipulate the finishes? He had to relinquish his reputation as a “tough guy” by apologizing for his statement, or NASCAR wouldn’t allow him to compete.

Guilty or not, Mayfield deserves credit for standing up to them. And given that he was one of the only drivers brave enough to knock Earnhardt Sr. out of the way to win a race, NASCAR should’ve expected this.